Posted by Bruce Battle on Monday, April 29th, 2019 in News Releases | Comments Off on SMCC Noted for “Genuine Effort” in HLC Quality Initiative Report

Entering into its accreditation year in 2020, South Mountain Community College has already received early positive feedback as the Higher Learning Commission announced this week that it has accepted the college’s Quality Initiative Report Guiding Pathways and StrategicScheduling and confirmed SMCC’s “genuine effort” on this project.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) expects that institutions are always engaged in quality improvement and requires an institution to designate one major improvement effort it has undertaken as its Quality Initiative for reaffirmation of accreditation. In this project, it encourages colleges to take risks and innovate, meaning that while failure is acceptable in the eyes of the commission, what is not acceptable is not making a genuine attempt at success.

For SMCC, this improvement work centered on guided pathways, and implementing processes that help streamline a student’s experience at the college. Making it all work also involves creating a process for strategic scheduling that is aligned with both pathway maps and budget constraints. Together, this allows for the college to create a tailored class schedule that helps student succeed without wasting time and money on unnecessary classes.

The report summarizing the college’s efforts was submitted to the HLC on April 12, 2019, and the findings indicated that the college demonstrated its seriousness in its undertaking, that the initiative had scope and impact, that the college was committed to the work, and that it had provided adequate resources to make it successful.

For SMCC, guided pathways has long been an important part of its transformation efforts. In fact, as an early adopter of guided pathways, SMCC is now sharing its materials and insights with colleagues at all of the other Maricopa colleges.

As the review concluded, “the SMCC Guided Pathways QI Project will significantly inform and shape the direction of the District.”

SMCC is up for accreditation in 2020. This year, the college will submit an assurance argument, supported by detailed artifacts or evidentiary documents, to the HLC. On February 10-11, 2020, the college will host HLC representatives as they engage in a campus visit to verify claims and validate the college’s continued accreditation.

Posted by Bruce Battle on Friday, April 19th, 2019 in News Releases | Comments Off on SMCC Cyber Team Takes 4th in Network Battle

South Mountain Community College’s Networking and Cyber Security Program Coordinator Mark Lierley worked with Adjunct Faculty member Jesse Huizar to lead a team of SMCC students in a Network Battle competition on April 13, and successfully took home a fourth place overall award for their efforts. Student team members included Steven Kaloczi, Francisco Alcala, and Taylor Maxey.

The event was held at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, and was sponsored by TechData and Cisco Systems. The event was open to teams from two- and four-year colleges and universities in the Phoenix Metro area, and included teams from GCU, Evit, SCC, MCC and UAT.

Event teams competed in a simulation that tested real-world networking, security, and consulting skills and were challenged to deploy a network solution for a simulated customer. Responsibilities included the design and implementation of a secure network at the remote site to support the connectivity of an IOT endpoint that will need to communicate with the customer’s data center infrastructure. Design and implementation will include IPv4 addressing, Layer-2 and Layer-3 networking, WiFi, WAN connectivity, and general security best practices.

The SMCC’s 4th place win came from successfully building a simulated oil well network that allowed headquarters to connect to and communicate with a remote drilling site.

CHILDREN HEAD TO COLLEGE EARLY TO CELEBRATE THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD™

South Mountain Community College hosts its own celebrations in honor of National Week of the Young Child™ with movies and a family festival!

PHOENIX, AZ – South Mountain Community College (SMCC) – Early Education students and faculty are taking our program to the next level with a week full of free events dedicated to young learners!Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to recognize the importance of early learning, early literacy, and to celebrate the teachers and programs that launch children on the path to lifelong learning and education success.

SMCC will be celebrating with a movie marathon leading to a Family Fun Saturday in conjunction with the City of Phoenix and Tree of Life Preschool Academy. Family Fun Saturday will feature a bike rodeo among other activities, engaging parents, children and educators in a one-of-a-kind celebration.

“The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is an excellent opportunity for our students to stand up for our youngest learners. At SMCC, we proudly embrace and advocate for all children and their families, and acknowledge their right to high-quality inclusive equitable early learning experiences that honor children, their culture and their uniqueness. Our Teacher Education programs prepare teachers who make a meaningful difference in our communities,” said Alicia Smith, SMCC Early Education Faculty and Program Coordinator.

“The Week of the Young Child™ is an optimal time for all of us to recognize that the Early Years are Learning Years® for all young children” added Alicia Smith, to emphasize this is a way to honor and celebrate education for young children. Program students and faculty invite families to the following events:

Posted by Bruce Battle on Friday, March 8th, 2019 in News Releases | Comments Off on PTK’s Ainsely Chapman Named Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar

SMCC student Ainsely Chapman has been named a 2019 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.”

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service. Chapman is dual majoring in biology and mathematics and also plans to transfer to ASU to continue her goals of obtaining a doctorate and becoming a research scientist. She is the Fellowship and Membership Officer for SMCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. In the Fall of 2017, she was also awarded the Paul Fannin leadership award, which goes to students who exhibit outstanding leadership qualities amongst their peers.

Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of community college students and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 nations. Learn more at ptk.org.

Posted by Bruce Battle on Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 in News Releases | Comments Off on Recognize Success – Nominate Someone for an Award!

The South Mountain Community College Annual Spring Awards Ceremony Planning Committee is inviting nominations for the 2018-2019 academic year. The nominations are for individual students, employees, or community members who support student success initiatives through diversity, leadership, and inclusive efforts. The deadline to submit your nomination(s) is Friday, March 22, 2019.

Your nominee will be invited to attend the Annual Spring Awards Ceremony and be recognized for their exceptional achievements at South Mountain Community College at a reception in their honor on Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the Student Union Building Room 100ABC.

Posted by Bruce Battle on Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 in News Releases | Comments Off on SMCC Increasing Employability in Students and the Community

South Mountain Community College is guiding a path in the art of job interviews to support the community in professional opportunities. With brand new students starting their college education and others preparing to graduate to join the workforce, SMCC is taking an active role to provide students the tools to start a successful career.

The SMCC Library will host the Spring 2019 Mock Job Interview Clinics in their effort to prepare students to join the job market. Once again, providing best practices for students and the community in South Phoenix.

The clinics focus in customizing mock interviews to various jobs, helping student deal with anxiety in interviews and training others who want to move up in their workplace, receiving practical training for job interviews.

The Mock Job Interview Clinics are offered every semester to help students practice and show their best self to professionals in the field, increasing job placement opportunities. This semester, the clinics will hosted during the following dates:

SMCC Library

Room | SMCL 162 – 163

March 26 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

March 27 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The SMCC Library is helping the community at South Mountain start a successful career with great interviews. Becoming an open resource to students, faculty, staff and community members to maximize employability. Helping develop skills that will help you personally and professionally.

As part of Black History Month and in recognition of his efforts in supporting Elevate Phoenix, a local nonprofit which works to support the educational goals of teens and young people, South Mountain Community College faculty member and Division Chair Dr. Jerome Garrison was honored at the February 2 Phoenix Suns game.

Specifically, Dr. Garrison was noted for his work with Elevate’s R.I.S.E. program, which support at risk urban youth by introducing them to a variety of educational and cultural enrichment opportunities, as well as connecting them with financial aid and advisement resources.

Congratulations Dr. Garrison! And be sure to support Dr. Garrison and SMCC’s own efforts to raise funds for scholarships at the upcoming STARS Gala and Fundraiser on April 5, right here at SMCC!

Posted by Bruce Battle on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019 in News Releases | Comments Off on Katherine Alcazar, Ainsley Chapman named to SMCC All Arizona 2018-19 Academic Team

South Mountain Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has selected students Katherine Alcazar and Ainsley Chapman for the All Arizona 2018-19 academic team. Alcazar and Chapman will also move forward as All USA nominees.

Alcazar is majoring in Biomedical Engineering, with the eventual goal of transferring to ASU to continue studying in that field, and one day earning her doctorate degree. Born and raised in Arizona, she initially chose SMCC as her first step – and for her, “the right step” – because she wanted to become better prepared and more confident before attending ASU. Alcazar has thrived in SMCC’s easily navigable campus setting and smaller class sizes, while also complimenting the level of support from the college’s “amazing faculty.” Besides being an honors student and honors award recipient, and an All Arizona nominee, Alcazar has also received the Chicanos Por La Causa scholarship for the past two years, which is awarded to outstanding Latino students attending Arizona colleges and universities who have demonstrated commitment to making positive changes to their communities and their selected fields of study. Academic excellence also seems to run in the Alcazar family, as Katie follows her sisters Isabel, who was the All Arizona nominee in 2017, and Emily, who was the All Arizona nominee in 2015.

Another Arizona native, Ainsley Chapman is dual majoring in biology and mathematics and also plans to transfer to ASU to continue her goals of obtaining a doctorate and becoming a research scientist. Currently only 17, Chapman has been homeschooled since the third grade, and began taking courses at SMCC as a way to supplement her educational experiences. She had such a good experience in the college’s CHM 107: Chemistry and Society class, that she kept taking college courses, including recently finishing CHM 235: Organic Chemistry. She credits the support she has received from friends and family, as well as from the faculty at SMCC who welcomed a younger – although obviously incredibly capable! – student into their classes. Besides being the All Arizona nominee, Chapman is the Fellowship and Membership Officer for SMCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. In the Fall of 2017, she was also awarded the Paul Fannin leadership award, which goes to students who exhibit outstanding leadership qualities amongst their peers.

On Saturday, November 3rd, South Mountain Community College Collegiate DECA sent 6 members to the Fall Leadership Conference at Grand Canyon University. At the conference, the students attended business related workshops and participated in case study competitions against 7 other colleges and universities. At the conference South Mountain Community College Collegiate DECA students brought home awards.

Posted by Bruce Battle on Thursday, November 8th, 2018 in News Releases | Comments Off on ASU’s Massive “Walk on Mars” Map to be Displayed as Part of Hermanas Conference at South Mountain Community College

Since 2001, Arizona State University’s THEMIS camera has been taking infrared images of Mars, collecting more than 200,000 pictures over 17 years. The Mars Space Flight Facility has taken the best images, cropped and stitched and blended them together, and printed out a global map of the red planet at full resolution.

It’s the size of a basketball court.

But that’s the point of ASU’s “Walk on Mars” map: for future explorers to be able to walk and explore the hills and valleys of Mars themselves, and visitors will have their chance to do that on November 30 when the map will be displayed as part of the Hermanas Conference at South Mountain Community College.

The conference, hosted by SMCC in partnership with ASU, Intel and the Maricopa Community College District, is focused on introducing Latina girls and young women to careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and inspiring them to envision and pursue a career in a technical field.

“Many young Latina girls don’t know what opportunities are available in technology, or what it takes to pursue that career,” said Rosalinda Cota, Director of Early College Programs at SMCC. “They don’t even realize its an option. Combine that with the perception that these professions are not ‘traditional’ for Latinas, and this growing segment of our population is at the most risk of not being prepared to enter the workforce of the future.”

The conference, which runs from 9am-2pm, is designed for middle and high school Latinas, and will feature: